A method for electric field measurements based on the Kerr electro-optic effect is investigated, along with its applicability in high-voltage engineering. Experimental data on electric field distribution in liquid dielectrics during very fast transient voltage (VFT) occurrences are obtained from direct measurements which utilize the Kerr effect. These data are then compared to the results provided by numerical models of the measurements. Details on the Kerr effect and basic principles of laser tomography are presented, along with a description of the modified arithmetic reconstruction algorithm used. Experimental setup and measurement conditions are validated by calculations based on the finite difference method. Experimental results are presented for both symmetrical and asymmetrical electrode arrangements. Electric field distribution, for the same fast transient voltage conditions as in experiments, is then obtained from specialized software tools developed for modelling high frequency electromagnetic phenomena. Results obtained by numerical modelling show good agreement with experimental data, thereby affirming the accuracy and applicability of the described measurement method.