other rate circuit judges seem to have deferred to arnold's huismann, not only because of his intellectual prowess but perhaps also because he was viewed as a representative of arkansas on the court. he was closest to the ground, among the appellate judges, with an extensive background in arkansas politics. because of barnell's long and deep involvement the little rock school cases provide unique insight into the development and application of his judicial method and philosophy. although he was described as a powerful liberal leaning intellectual, it is not easy to characterize them as either and liberal or conservative in the little rock cases. there were three key decisions during the course of arnold's ten year that i want to mention. during his tenure the three important developments that i will mention shape the course of the litigation and the ultimate resolution for the little rock school district. the first is a 1985 decision, rejecting the district court's order of consolidation. the second is in 1990 opinion rejecting the district court's modification of the settlement agreement