Judge Boulton had been President of the Association of Independent Schools and a member of the National Council of Independent Schools during 1972 and 1973, and a member of the Commonwealth Committee of Faculties between 1971 and 1973. In late 1973, he left both the Christian Brothers and Nudgee College and pursued a career in law, studying the Barristers’ Board course. While studying for his examinations he was an associate to Justice James Douglas. Judge Boulton had an Arts degree from the University of Sydney in 1963 and a Master of Laws from The University of Queensland in 1975. He was admitted to the Bar in December 1975. Prior to being appointed to the District Court, His Honour served as an acting judge of the District Court on 10 February 1992 – 2 April 1992. His Honour was appointed to the District Court on 22 February 1988. He retired on 13 November 2004, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age.