a branch of Soviet juridical science that studies the laws and methodology of forensic examinations by experts, the formation and development of the scientific bases for such examinations, and the objects encountered in the examinations. It is based on specialized knowledge that is derived from other sciences and incorporated into a scientific system comprising the techniques, methods, means, and methodology necessary for experts to perform forensic examinations. The science is grounded in the comparative study of the scientific foundations, general principles, and structural connections and interrelations of the various types of forensic examinations by experts.