What do customs recognized by the courts as law describe?

The correct choice describes Common Law, which refers to legal principles and rules that are derived from customs and judicial precedents rather than statutes. Common law evolves through judicial decisions and is characterized by the decisions made in courts that set legal precedents. This means that the customs and practices that have been consistently followed by courts can influence legal standards and be recognized as part of the law.

In Common Law systems, the decisions made in earlier cases guide judges in making decisions in new, similar cases, creating a body of law that reflects societal norms and customs recognized by the judiciary. This is foundational because it emphasizes the role of historical practices and court rulings in shaping the law, contrasting with other legal frameworks where statutes or codified laws primarily govern.

The other types of law mentioned differ significantly from Common Law. Statutory Law is enacted by legislative bodies and does not rely on judicial decisions to develop legal principles. Civil Law is a codified system that relies predominantly on written statutes and codes, as opposed to court-made laws. Equity Law primarily deals with fairness and justice, supplementing Common Law but not necessarily rooted in past customs.