Boldt was nominated by President
Dwight D. Eisenhower on June 10, 1953, to a seat on the
United States District Court for the Western District of Washington vacated by Judge
Charles H. Leavy. He was confirmed by the
United States Senate on July 14, 1953, and received his commission the same day. He served as Chief Judge in 1971. He assumed
senior status on October 30, 1971. His service was terminated on March 18, 1984, due to his death. Another notable case was the Seattle Conspiracy Trial (Seattle 7, November–December 1970). In this case, a major federal prosecution of anti-Vietnam War activists, the government's case collapsed when its star witness admitted under cross-examination that he "would lie to get" the defendants. Boldt declared a mistrial and sentenced the defendants to up to a year in prison for contempt of court. ==Other service==