A gallows is a structure used for executing individuals by hanging. It typically consists of a wooden frame with a horizontal beam from which a noose is suspended. Historically, gallows were commonly used in many societies as a method of capital punishment for crimes deemed severe. The design of gallows can vary, but they often include a platform where the condemned person stands before the execution. Once the trapdoor is opened, the individual falls, leading to death by strangulation or other causes. The use of gallows has largely declined in modern times, with many countries abolishing capital punishment altogether.