(a) In all actions for slanderous words, in any court having jurisdiction of the same, if the jury renders a verdict under $10.00, the plaintiff shall have and recover no more costs than damages.

(b) In actions of assault and battery and in all other personal actions wherein the jury upon the trial thereof finds the damages to be less than $10.00, the plaintiff shall recover no more costs than damages unless the judge, at the trial thereof, finds and certifies on the record that an aggravated assault and battery was proved.