In Banks v. International Rental & Leasing Corp., the Virgin Islands Supreme Court departed from a provision in the Virgin Islands Code that had adopted the American Law Institute’s restatements as the common law of the Virgin Islands. Before Banks, the common law of the Virgin Islands was entirely imported, was implemented all at once instead of over time, and possessed no inherently local or homegrown properties. Accordingly, Virgin Islands courts were essentially applying the common law of other jurisdictions. However, Banks caused a paradigm shift that has allowed Virgin Islands courts to begin cultivating a common law tailored to the specific needs of the people it governs without automatically deferring to the restatements. This Article begins by analyzing the historical nature of the common law process. Notably, the Author argues that because the common law of a particular locality is founded on its ever-evolving customs, it is necessary for judges to consider the expectations and objectives of those affected when shaping the contours of existing precedent. Next, the Article focuses on Banks, explaining in detail the analysis it mandates when a Virgin Islands court is deciding whether to ratify a restatement rule or adopt a better alternative. Then, the Author examines how Virgin Islands superior courts have applied the Banks analysis. This comprehensive review reveals that while some superior courts misapprehended their duty to reexamine the merits of a challenged restatement rule, others considered local needs and circumstances in determining the soundest rule for the Virgin Islands. Ultimately, the Author concludes that if Virgin Islands courts rely on the demonstrated preferences of Virgin Islanders when determining the soundest rule for the jurisdiction, they will be able to successfully develop an organic common law of and for the Virgin Islands.