The development of forensic medicine in Russia can be traced to the days of Peter the Great when in 1716 he included forensic investigation of violent death in his military regulations. Teaching of forensic medicine in Russian universities dates from the early 19th century. The current structure of forensic medicine practice in Russia goes back to 1920 when regulations for forensic medical examiners were established. These were modified in 1934.General and specific types of forensic examinations are discussed, and there is a detailed study of the structure of the forensic laboratory in Russia today. Education and teaching activities are discussed, as are the activities of the All-Union Scientific Society of Forensic Medical Expertise.