The summary below describes state court dedsions. court stated, "It is now generally recognized that the mother is the natural custodian of her child of tender years,and that if she is a fit and proper person, other things being equal, she should be given the custody. __ This doctrine in Virginia, as well as in many other states, was the deciding factor in legal disputes for many years when both parents wanted custody of children who were under age six. Which source of law is represented by the decision described in the summary? civil law criminal law C common law constitutional law

## Step 1<br />The problem presents a scenario where a court is making a decision regarding the custody of a child. The court's decision is based on the general recognition that the mother is the natural custodian of her child of tender years, and if she is a fit and proper person, she should be given the custody. This decision is made in the context of legal disputes between parents wanting custody of children under the age of six.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The options provided are civil law, criminal law, common law, and constitutional law. We need to identify which of these best represents the source of law in the given scenario.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Civil law typically involves disputes between individuals or organizations, where compensation may be awarded to the victim. Criminal law involves the prosecution of a person for an act that is classified as a crime. Constitutional law involves the interpretation and application of the constitution of a country.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Common law, on the other hand, is a body of unwritten laws based on legal precedents established by the courts. This is the most fitting description for the scenario presented, as the court's decision is based on a general recognition that has been established by previous court decisions.