The article discusses the theoretical issues of the conceptual framework and legal regulation of forensic examinations in the Russian Federation. By focusing on the main functional aspect of forensic examinations, which is the provision of evidence, the author proposes a definition of the procedure under consideration. According to the author, this approach will not only help to unify the approaches, but also eliminate existing contradictions in terminology. The analysis of the regulatory legal framework allows the author to conclude that the legal regulation of forensic examinations is based on a comprehensive approach that includes both universal supra-departmental regulations and procedural rules for the appointment of examinations.