Final answer:
Based on the provided information, the tone of the excerpts from "Wrongful Convictions" by Jon Gould and "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson is best described as Objective and Informative, as it relies on facts and neutral language to convey its message fairly and thoughtfully.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about the tone presented in excerpts from "Wrongful Convictions" by Jon Gould and "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson. When examining tone, we should assess how the authors convey their message and their attitude towards the subject matter. Based on the information given, which describes objective reporting and the importance of audience and purpose alignment in tone, the statement that best defines the tone of these excerpts would be Objective and Informative.
The informative tone is indicated by the neutral presentation of evidence such as facts and examples. The objective stance builds credibility with readers and shows a keen awareness of the rhetorical situation without displaying bias or emotional language. Since historical journalism moved towards objectivity in reporting, this approach allows readers to consider the information fair and unbiased, coinciding with the tradition of objective journalism reinforced by figures like Adolph Ochs of The New York Times. Critical analysis suggests that authors who provide context and cultural references, as well as an understanding of the audience, often employ an informative tone. This ensures that their work is viewed as thoughtful and balanced, which is crucial when discussing sensitive issues like wrongful convictions. The details regarding the Supreme Court case in the excerpt further add to the objective presentation of the situation, which is aligned with typical academic writing's neutral tone. Hence, the tone of the provided excerpts can be primarily described as Objective and Informative.